Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Food Preparation Workers in the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $27,530. This figure falls below the national average of $33,810, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially lower demand for these roles in this specific locale. The concentration of these jobs relative to the national average also plays a role in this salary differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,530 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $32,540.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation Workers in Northwest Iowa appears stable, with a total local workforce of 440 individuals. The location quotient of 0.52 suggests that while the occupation is present, it is less concentrated than the national average, indicating a moderate but not exceptionally high demand within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-18.6%below the national average.
$13.2
$529
$2,294
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic patterns. Increases in the cost of goods and services, coupled with potential shifts in labor supply and demand, likely contributed to incremental salary adjustments for Food Preparation Workers in this region.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles, which often command higher salaries. The gap between the lower and upper percentiles of earnings signifies the potential for increased compensation as workers gain experience, refine their skills, and take on greater responsibilities within their roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,110 | $10.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,648 | $9.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,640 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,413 | $16.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $32,540 | $15.6 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,530
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,530
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $27,530 and a Cost of Living Index at the national average of 100, Food Preparation Workers in Northwest Iowa may find their purchasing power aligns closely with national benchmarks. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the real value of their earnings is not significantly diminished by local expenses.
Job Market Context
440
Total Jobs
3.025
Per 1K Jobs
0.52
Location Quotient
Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 0.52x the national average concentration of Food Preparation Workers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The location quotient of 0.52 indicates that Food Preparation Workers are less concentrated in Northwest Iowa compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for these roles is not saturated, and while there may not be an overwhelming abundance of opportunities, the demand is present at a level below national concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,980↑ 13% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,490↑ 14% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,070↑ 13% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,710↑ 8% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,520↑ 14% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $27,530. This typically ranges from $21,110 for entry-level positions to $32,540 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 18.6% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not considered a lucrative area for Food Preparation Workers.The average salary of $27,530 is significantly lower than the national average, and the job concentration is also below the national benchmark.
Is Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($30,980) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Northwest Iowa is $27,530, which is notably lower than the national average of $33,810.
What does the Location Quotient of 0.52 mean for job seekers?
A location quotient of 0.52 means that Food Preparation Workers are less concentrated in Northwest Iowa than the national average, suggesting a potentially less competitive but also less abundant job market for these roles.
How does the Cost of Living in Northwest Iowa affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is lower, the purchasing power of $27,530 is comparable to what a worker might experience nationally, as local expenses are not higher than average.
What is the total workforce size for this role in the area?
There are approximately 440 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 440 employees in the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.025 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area